MXPA02001077A

MXPA02001077A - Absorbent body for an absorbent product and methods for producing an absorbent body.

Info

Publication number: MXPA02001077A
Application number: MXPA02001077A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Maria Raidel
Original assignee: Hakle Kimberly Gmbh
Priority date: 1999-08-13
Filing date: 2000-08-11
Publication date: 2004-12-06
Also published as: DE19938437B4; KR20020016003A; AU7275000A; DE19938437A1; US20130123088A1; WO2001012119A1; GB2370780B; GB0205310D0; BR0013227A; US8187242B1; US20120322639A1; CN1379650A; US8541644B2; GB2370780A

Abstract

The invention relates to an absorbent product, preferably a sanitary pad or an incontinence pad, and to methods for producing absorbent bodies. According to the invention, the pad comprises at least one absorbent body, which is segmented at least into partial areas by at least one dividing seam. The absorbent body is preferably configured with at least two layers, forming at least one layer (5) which will face towards the body and at least one layer (6) which will face away from the body. The at least one layer (5) of the absorbent body facing towards the body is smaller than at least one other layer (6) of the absorbent body facing away from the body. The at least one layer (5) of the absorbent body facing towards the body is particularly preferably punched or cut out and this punched or cut out section can extend into other layers above or below the at least one layer (5) of the absorbent body which faces towards the body.

Description

1 ABSORBENT BODY FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND METHOD TO PRODUCE AN ABSORBENT BODY The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a segmented absorbent body and to a method for producing an absorbent body, in particular a segmented absorbent body. The absorbent body is preferably arranged between a liquid permeable cover layer and a liquid impermeable backing layer.

It is known from the state of the art how to produce absorbent articles containing the absorbent bodies. As a rule, these absorbent bodies are arranged between a liquid-permeable cover layer and a liquid-impermeable backing layer. Such absorbent articles include, for example, sanitary napkins for menstrual hygiene, disposable diapers, learning diapers and adult incontinence articles as well as similar articles. As a rule, absorbent bodies of the traditional type contained in these absorbent articles contain pulp-reduced cellulose or materials in the form of sheets of blends of synthetic fibers / cellulose as the absorbent material.

These materials are supposed to serve to absorb body fluids such as menstrual fluid and retain it in a sanitary napkin. The menstrual fluids should preferably remain inside the absorbent article even under pressure and if possible should not be detectable from the outside. The absorbent article in particular the absorbent body in the absorbent article must prevent the segregated body fluids from soiling the user's body and / or staining the adjacent articles of clothing.

The sheet materials used for the absorbent material are either continuously arranged (for example these cover the total length of the towel or these form rectangular inserts, for example) or these may have cuts. The cuts are preferably arranged in a top layer of the absorbent material and must serve to bring the fluid out of the body of the absorbent article user as quickly and efficiently as possible to release it downwardly into other absorbent and storage layer of the absorbent article. .

There are several storage possibilities of the fluid delivered in the absorbent article. One of these possibilities is to bring the segregated fluid as quickly and directly as possible to a lower area of the article which is preferably arranged above the backing layer impervious to the liquid, from which the fluid is then distributed in the longitudinal direction . As soon as this bottom absorbent dispenser layer is saturated with the segregated fluid, the absorbent layers closest to the user's body then become saturated with the fluid.

Another possibility is that the fluid from the segregated body is distributed as rapidly as possible in the longitudinal directions of the towel, from where in the remaining course it is then diffused towards the side of the absorbent article facing away from the user's body.

In addition to providing a cut in a top area of the absorbent article in an absorbent article, there are several other possibilities for improving fluid distribution in an absorbent article. These possibilities involve, for example, providing several layers within the absorbent article to function as flow layers, storage layers, transfer layers or distribution layers. Such layers can be defined by different materials, for example. Another possibility is to provide lines etched in a layer of the absorbent material in an absorbent article through which the fluid is guided in predetermined and preferred paths thus preventing the area of the absorbent article exposed to the fluid from saturation.

Another possibility to prevent runoff and promote the penetration of the segregated fluid into the interior of the absorbent material is to provide elastic or raised side areas (cuffs) which can prevent runoff on the sides.

With the absorbent articles described above, it is also important that the absorbent article is adapted to the shape of the wearer's body, preferably, conforming to the shape of the wearer's body, so that the wearer is not hindered or impaired by the absorbent article. . It is especially preferable that the absorbent article is not perceived by the user at all. In addition, the absorbent article should be prevented from rubbing against the wearer's body in a manner that would be unpleasant to the wearer, even leading to a redness and irritation of the skin. There have been several propositions to achieve such optimal flexibility and adaptation to the wearer's body. Many of these propositions refer to the use of materials that are already rather flexible anyway and therefore offer increased comfort for use. However, such materials are often less suitable than an absorbent material for its current function. A typical absorbent material such as a coform material will have a certain rigidity which can be reduced only by obtaining certain advantageous absorbent properties.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages according to the state of the art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an article that prevents the particular runoff of the segregated fluid into the side areas of the absorbent article (side runoff) in an improved manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that allows especially good flexibility and individual adaptation to the wearer's body.

Finally, another object of the present invention is to reduce the stiffness of a fabric of continuous material in a manner such that it leads to improved flexibility and better adaptation to the wearer's body.

The objects mentioned above are achieved by the absorbent article characterized in claim 1, as well as by the method characterized in clause 29. Thus, an absorbent article is provided comprising an absorbent body having one or more layers, wherein the Absorbent body is segmented by at least one dividing seam in at least some partial areas.

The term "segmented" as used herein is understood to refer to the subdivision of the absorbent body into sub-areas, for example, segments, defined at least by a dividing seam.

The term "divider seam" is understood to refer to the areas of a material processed for separation. The term "processed for separation" is understood herein to refer to the separation methods known in the state of the art by means of which the individual areas of a material layer can be separated from one another. "Processing for separation" therefore produces general dividing seams in these materials, for example cutting or perforated lines. 10 The dividing seam may consist of a continuous or interrupted dividing line. If the dividing seam is executed in the form of an interrupted dividing line, the different areas of material are still joined together by '' areas of bridges. In addition, a divider seam can be worked on 15 through the full thickness of one or more layers of material or through only partial areas of the thickness of one or more of the layers of material. The latter is preferred if the layer of material is still to form a unit.

Providing an absorbent body which is segmented by at least one dividing seam in at least partial areas gives an absorbent article which achieves optimal flexibility and individual adaptation to the wearer's body. Segmentation, which forms the points of 25 attempted breakage, eliminates or reduces the stiffness of the absorbent material in an inventive manner, leading to improved flexibility. In addition, the divider seams improve the rapid penetration of the segregated fluid into the depth of the absorbent body, thereby avoiding lateral draining in an improved manner and thus also avoiding soiling of the user's body and / or clothing.

The dividing seams give individual stable elements that engrave and compress the absorbent body. Therefore, areas of different density are formed within each individual element. The density gradients are formed along the dividing seams, optimizing the transport of fluid. In the whole, the absorbent body is specially compressed in the area around the dividing seams. Fluids such as the menstrual fluid to be absorbed by the absorbent body may consist of several components which have different properties and are transported to different extensions through a uniformly structured absorbent body. Due to the presence of areas of different density and due to the density gradient prevalent along the dividing seams, it is possible that each fluid component finds an area especially suitable for transport.

To further improve the protection against side runoff, it is especially preferable to increase the number of divider seams in the edge area of the absorbent body.

The segmentation of the absorbent body gives many 8 individual elements which are stabilized on all sides and which are especially preferably applied to a flexible elastic substrate. Therefore, the segments are displaceable with respect to each other. Therefore, the absorbent body can be adapted particularly well to the contours of the wearer's body.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the absorbent body has at least two layers, with at least one of the layers being segmented. This allows an optimal combination of the properties of the segmented layer with those of a non-segmented layer, for example.

The preferred shapes for the segments created by the divider seams in the absorbent body can be squares and / or diamonds and / or circles as well as any other suitable geometric shape. In another especially preferred embodiment of this invention, the absorbent body is designed with at least two layers, wherein at least one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is smaller than at least one other layer of the absorbent body that is facing away from the user's body.

The layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body faces the wearer's body when the absorbent article is in use and is therefore arranged on the absorbent body layer facing away from the wearer's body. The latter is facing away from the wearer's body when the absorbent article is in use.

Providing an absorbent body which is designed with at least two layers gives various functions as follows, wherein at least one layer facing the wearer's body and at least one facing layer facing away from the wearer's body are formed, and at least one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is smaller than the at least one other layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body, so that the complete absorbent material has a "attempted break line": providing an "attempted break line" as defined above gives optimum flexibility and individual adaptation to the wearer's body; providing the absorbent body with two layers where the layer of the absorbent body is facing the wearer's body and is smaller than the layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body creates a storage area of the liquid in the wearer. center of the towel to improve protection against side runoff, preferably the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has less than 70% of the area of the minimum one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the body of the wearer; even more preferably, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has less than 50% of the area of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body; even more preferably, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has less than 30% of the area of the minimum one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body.

The minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is formed by the shaping methods known in the state of the art. It is essentially preferable that the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is pierced or cut.

The term "layer" as used in the present invention includes layers of one or more materials as well as multi-layer compounds such as laminates.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more layers arranged below and / or above the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has been processed for separation and has therefore been segmented throughout. of the same contours as the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body.

The conformation of the minimum of a layer facing the body of the wearer can be carried out here by one of the methods known in the state of the art, such as cutting, molding, perforation, etc. The layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body as well as the layers of the absorbent body above and / or below which are processed by separation, cut or perforated.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body and one or more layers arranged above and / or below that are processed for separation along the same contours as the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, not only the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body is pierced or cut, but additional layers may also be present on the towel that are also punched or cut. .

In addition to the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body, it is especially preferable that the layers of the absorbent body face away from the wearer's body below what is to be processed for separation. However, then preferably the "rigid frame" of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body remains on the towel, while the "perforated grid" of the minimum of one layer of the body absorbent facing the body of the user is removed in any case. The term "frame grid" as used herein is understood to refer to the part of a layer of material located outside the divider seam provided therein, eg, a perforated or cut area, and forming a part of the absorbent article. . In other words, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body is segmented by separation processing in a frame grid and an area enclosed by the frame grid. The term "perforated grid" shall be understood herein to refer to the part of a layer of the material located outside the dividing seam, for example, the perforated or cut area, and which is not part of the absorbent article. The "frame grid" of course has a preferred shape for the absorbent article, which in the present case preferably corresponds to the overall shape of the absorbent article. This gives the absorbent body according to this invention comprising at least one layer facing the user's body which is smaller, due to the removal of the "perforated grid", than the minimum of one layer arranged at a distance of the body, processed in a similar manner for separation, for example, cut or perforated, and wherein the "frame grid" forms a part of the absorbent article however. 13 By providing an absorbent body having at least two layers, wherein the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has an area smaller than the minimum of one layer of the 5-sided absorbent body toward outside of the wearer's body and due to the fact that the absorbent body layer facing away from the wearer's body has been pierced and / or cut in a manner corresponding to the perforated or cut area of the body layer. absorber facing the user's body, this provides a 10 absorbent article which eliminates the stiffness of a fabric of continuous material due to the cut and / or perforated areas, in addition to optimal flexibility and individual adaptation to the wearer's body and an improvement in lateral filtering. It is known that the preferred absorbent material used in the 15 absorbent articles have a certain rigidity. If a full material fabric of such absorbent material is provided in an absorbent article, as is usually necessary to ensure the proper absorption and storage properties of the absorbent article, this leads to a stiffness of the absorbent article. 20 absorbent material that makes the absorbent article uncomfortable to use at all.

This leads to less than optimal flexibility and adaptation to the individual user's body that is not guaranteed. The stiffness of a continuous weave of material can be eliminated in an inventive manner by the cut / perforated areas in the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body 14 facing away from the wearer's body. This leads to a degree of improvement in flexibility and in the possibility of an individual adaptation to the user's body.

In addition, the permeable areas of the cut or perforated areas facilitate a faster penetration of the secreted fluid deeper inside the towel and therefore avoids the lateral filtering in an improved way and therefore the soiling of the user's body or body is avoided. the adjacent clothes in the area of the absorbent article and therefore contribute to a reduction in surface moisture. This effect is commented by the alternating capillarity of the materials in the immediate vicinity of the perforated / cut areas. The material is compressed there, thus increasing the capillarity. This makes fluid transport more effective in these areas which therefore function as "attempted penetration areas" where the fluid is transported especially quickly and effectively.

Preferably the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body, which is smaller than the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body, is in the shape of an oval. Other possible shapes include a rectangular shape, a tongue shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or an hourglass shape.

Any other geometric shape is also conceivable for the present invention provided that it meets the requirements specified above.

In another preferred embodiment of this invention, additional divider seams, eg, cut or perforated areas are provided in the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body and / or within one or more layers of the body absorbent arranged above and / or below that. These additional dividing seams, for example the cutting or perforated areas, are arranged within the aforementioned layer areas determined by the shape of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body. For example, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body may have an oval shape and may have additional oval cut or perforated areas concentric with the first. The additional layers of the absorbent body can also have these oval, perforated and additional concentrically arranged areas, where the corresponding perforated areas in the different layers essentially coincide.

Additional divider seams, for example, cutting or puncturing areas in the various layers of the absorbent body, improve flexibility and adaptation to the individual user's body through the resulting segmentation while also improving fluid transport within the body. of the absorbent article.

Preferably the absorbent article according to the present invention comprises the following components: a) a cover layer permeable to liquid and b) a backing layer impervious to liquid, wherein the absorbent body is arranged between the cover layer and the backing layer.

The minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body preferably has elongated side areas. The cover layer and / or the backing layer may extend laterally outwardly from the elongated side portions of the absorbent body to provide a pair of elongated side edges for the absorbent article. The cover layer is arranged on the side facing the user's body and should be arranged close to the wearer during use. The backing layer is arranged parallel to the cover layer and should be close to the wearer's undergarment when in use.

The cover layer can be manufactured from materials known in the state of the art. These must be permeable to liquid. Known materials include, for example, carded and spunbonded non-woven fabrics made of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bonded fibers. Other polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene fiber nonwovens which are finely perforated or mesh type materials are also suitable. Other suitable materials include polymer composites and a nonwoven material. Composite layers are usually formed by extruding a polymer onto a layer of a nonwoven spunbonded to form an integral layer. This material is preferred because the outer surface is not irritating to the wearer's skin and has a pleasing sensation.

With respect to the aforementioned cover layer, it is also advantageous that this cover layer has the following characteristics. In general, a cover layer is provided to achieve the greatest possible comfort and better adaptation to the wearer's body and must divert fluid to the body below it. The cover layer can be constructed of a relatively non-absorbent liquid-permeable material, wherein the cover layer can be constructed of any woven or non-woven material through which the body fluid that contacts its surface can flow easily. . The cover layer is preferably made of a material that allows the passage of the fluid without pulling the fluid horizontally in parallel 18 to the cover layer to any greater extent. In addition, the cover layer must retain very little or no fluid in its structure, so that a relatively dry surface is provided close to the wearer's skin. In general, the cover layer is a single layer of a material with a width sufficient to cover the surface of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body. The cover layer preferably extends to the longitudinal edges and is attached to the backing layer. The cover layer can be attached to the backing layer using any known method which leaves no hard or uncomfortable residues that could disturb the wearer. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the methods for joining the various materials and for joining other possible materials in the absorbent article according to the present invention, including the use of pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, adhesive sheets. Two-sided, ultrasonic welding and heat sealing, to name a few. Adhesives such as hot melt adhesives can be used uniformly or in the form of a continuous or non-continuous layer.

The cover layer can be designed in two parts. Two parts here means that the cover layer may consist of an outer area and a central area. The outer area is preferably in essential shape in the area of the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article and, if there are wings on the towel, it can also be designated in the area of the wings, where the central area is designed in the remaining central area of the absorbent article. The two parts of the cover layer can be joined together. Such bonding can be produced by employing a hot melt adhesive or by providing a welded seam. Other forms of unions that are known in this field of art are also included here.

If the cover layer is designed in two parts, the central area of the cover layer and / or the outer area of the cover layer can be a non-woven bonded with polypropylene yarn having an especially thick fiber and therefore a higher denier. . In addition, the yarn bonded nonwoven may contain more pigment, for example, having a higher titanium dioxide content to improve the masking properties. Such nonwoven bonded with polypropylene yarn with the properties described above may have, for example, a basis weight of 15 to 50 grams per square meter, preferably 20 grams per square meter. In a preferred embodiment, this is 70 millimeters wide.

Other possible materials for the outer area of the cover layer and / or the inner area of the cover layer include spunbonded nonwovens or polypropylene carded nonwovens, for example, with a basis weight of 15 to 50 grams per square meter, preferably 20 grams per square meter. The preferred composition of the cover layer is a two-part cover layer wherein the outer area of the cover layer is made of a nonwoven bonded with polypropylene yarn with a basis weight of 20 grams per square meter, and in where the inner area of the cover layer is made of a nonwoven bonded with perforated polypropylene yarn at a weight of 20 grams per square meter. The two parts of the cover layer are preferably joined by a welded seam.

The backing layer can be made of any desired material that is impervious to liquid. The backing layer preferably allows atmospheric vapor and moisture to pass through the absorbent article while preventing body fluid from passing therethrough. A suitable material is a micro-etched polymer film such as polyethylene or polyethylene. polypropylene with an approximate thickness of 0.025 to 0.13 millimeters. Two-component films can also be used, as well as non-woven materials or woven materials which are treated to make them impervious to liquid. Other suitable materials include films filled with CaCC > 3 or polyolefin foams. A polyethylene foam with a thickness in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters can be mentioned as an example.

The absorbent body in the absorbent article provides a means for absorbing the secreted fluid, in particular the menstrual fluid. The total absorption capacity of the absorbent body must correspond to the anticipated load in the course of the intended use of the absorbent article. In addition, the size and shape of the absorbent body may vary. As explained above, the absorbent body can have various forms mentioned above in the area of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body. The minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body may also have various shapes, but in any case this should be larger than the minimum of one layer facing the wearer's body. This can work as a secondary deposit. The layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body may be, for example, rectangular with rounded longitudinal edges, tongue-shaped or oval in shape or it may have any other geometric shape known in the related art.

The absorbent body is generally made of one or more materials which together are essentially hydrophilic, compressible, adaptable and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Suitable materials are also well known in the art and include, for example, various natural or synthetic fibers, cellulose fibers, cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers or a mixture of cellulose and other fibers, meltblown polymers such as polyester and polypropylene. The absorbent layers may also include other well known materials which are used with the absorbent articles 22, including several layers of a cellulose filling, rayon fibers, cellulose sponges, hydrophilic synthetic sponges, such as polyurethane and the like.

In addition, especially when used in incontinence articles, the absorbent body may contain superabsorbers which are very effective in retaining body fluids. The superabsorbers have the capacity to absorb a large amount of fluid in relation to their own weight. Typical superabsorbers used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins can absorb between about 5 and 60 times their weight in body fluids.

A preferred material for the absorbent layer is a coform material which contains, for example, cellulose and polypropylene in a weight ratio of 70:30 and has a basis weight of 150 grams per square meter and is used together with a non-woven backing. woven together with polypropylene yarn with a basis weight of 17 grams per square meter. As an alternative, for example, a coform material containing cellulose and polypropylene in a weight ratio of 60:40 and having a basis weight of 90 grams per square meter can also be used with a non-woven backing bonded with a yarn of polypropylene with a base weight of 20 grams per square meter.

Another layer may be provided on the side of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body, acting as the transfer layer and transferring the fluid to the absorbent body in a suitable manner. This transfer layer is preferably perforated or cut in the same manner as the minimum of a part of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body. This transfer layer preferably and especially has an open structure which is especially permeable for fluids and has large pores but a low density. For example, non-woven and non-woven laminates are suitable, with the wiper side facing up. Such a transfer layer can also have a laminating function (dry and clean).

The transfer layer and / or the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body can be visually differentiated from the rest of the sanitary napkin, for example by using a different color for the transfer layer and / or the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body than for the rest of the absorbent article.

The transfer layer and / or the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body are preferably perforated or cut and applied to one or more other absorbent layers of the absorbent body, preferably made of coform, and preferably joined together by one of the 24 possible methods mentioned above.

Even if the transfer layer and / or top layer of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body can have a rolling function, this rolling function can also be assumed, instead of or in addition to the cover layer. The cover layer can in this case contain about 1% to 6% of titanium dioxide pigment and can have a clean and attractive appearance.

In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the liquid permeable cover layer may also have a plurality of openings which are formed therein. The size of these openings must be such that a fluid can pass through the cover layer and thus enter the absorbent leather. The openings may be arranged in a longitudinal direction or they may be located in large numbers in a certain area, which is assumed to be the area that will come into contact with the fluid. The openings should increase the rate at which body fluids can reach the absorbent body. This makes it easier to provide a much drier surface for the cover layer than if the openings were not present.

The absorbent body part facing the user's body may preferably have etched lines through which the fluid is guided along especially preferred paths. These engraved lines can also be provided in the transfer layer and / or individual or all other layers of the absorbent body.

The cover layer can also be treated with a surfactant to make it more hydrophilic and therefore sustain the absorption of the fluid. The surfactant may contain topical additives or internally added materials such as polysiloxanes.

In addition, the absorbent article may have another layer on the side of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body to act as a distributing layer. In a preferred embodiment, this distributor layer is bent. This can serve as the primary deposit. This advantageously contains especially small pores and therefore has the highest capillarity in the system of the preferred absorbent article according to the present invention. A meltblown fiber layer is preferably used for the distributor layer. This melt blown layer of polypropylene, for example, can have a basis weight of 65 grams per square meter and in a preferred embodiment this is bent to a final width of 45 millimeters and a length of 125 millimeters.

Some or all of the individual layers of the absorbent article may be joined together in some areas or 26 as a whole. In a preferred embodiment, their bonding can be achieved by using a hot melt adhesive. Other bonding methods known in the related art, however, should also be included within the scope of the present patent application.

In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the absorbent article according to the present invention has wings on its longitudinal side edges, wherein the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body may continue on these wings but it does not necessarily need to extend into these wings. These wings and the longitudinal body of the absorbent article can be provided with a longitudinal adhesive system consisting of a hot melt adhesive, for example, with a preferred area of 50 by 190 millimeters for the longitudinal body of the absorbent article and a preferred area of 20 by 50 millimeters for the respective wing adhesive systems of the absorbent article. The longitudinal adhesive system and the adhesive wing systems are each preferably covered by silicone paper or some other possible cover which is known in the state of the art.

The absorbent article according to the present invention is preferably used as a sanitary napkin or as an incontinence diaper.

In addition, the absorbent body according to the present invention may include a flow layer and a deposit layer in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. Suitable flow layers are made, for example of cellulose, blends of synthetic fiber and cellulose such as coform materials, blends of synthetic fibers-air-laid cellulose, foamed or high-foamed and nonwoven materials and these may contain superabsorbents as a additional component.

Suitable deposit layers are characterized, for example, by the materials mentioned above for the absorbent body. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body acts as a flow layer.

The absorbent article according to the present invention has especially and preferably a density and / or a pore gradient. The layer next to the body has the lowest density and the layer next to the backing layer impervious to the liquid has the highest density.

This facilitates the diversion of fluid out of the user's body.

Such density and / or pore gradient can be produced in a manner known to those skilled in the art, for example, by using materials of different densities or by using different pore sizes, etc.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing an absorbent body, in particular a segmented absorbent body. These absorbent bodies are used in particular in the absorbent articles according to this invention.

A first method according to this invention includes the following steps: a first fabric of material is carried on a first rotating conveyor element; the first fabric of material is processed for separation by means of a second rotating conveyor element along a closed line, creating a first closed divider seam through the full thickness of the first fabric of material; the part of the first fabric material outside the first dividing seam is carried out on the first rotating conveyor element; the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam is further carried with the second rotating conveyor element; a second fabric of material is carried on a third rotating conveyor element; the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first dividing seam is deposited on the second fabric of material and the second fabric of material is processed for separation by the second rotary conveyor element along the peripheral shape of the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam, thereby creating a minimum of a second self-contained divider seam through at least partial areas of the thickness of the second fabric of material and the minimum of a first and a Second self-contained divider seams essentially match.

The first fabric of material and the second fabric of material may comprise individual materials or multiple materials. The first fabric of material and the second fabric of material can each be composed of one or more layers which can preferably be joined together with adhesive and which can consist of different materials. The first fabric of material can comprise in particular layers of the materials used in the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body as well as the transfer layer of the absorbent article according to this invention.

The second fabric of material can comprise in particular layers of the materials used in the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body and the distributing layer of the absorbent article according to this invention.

The term "self-contained divider seam" as used in the present invention is understood to refer to dividing seams which define a closed internal geometric shape in a fabric of material.

The first and second minimum self-contained divider seams can assume any suitable geometric signature, but the especially preferred shapes are an oval, a triangle, a circle, a tongue or an hourglass. The shape of the absorbent body layer facing the wearer's body in the finished absorbent article according to this invention is determined by the shape of the first divider seam.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, the second fabric of materials and the minimum of a part deposited on the first and bordered by the first dividing seam is separated into individual units in another step, with each unit comprising a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam and a first frame grid formed by the second fabric of material.

The term "frame grid" as used herein, for analogy with the articles according to this invention described herein, is understood as being part of the material of said absorbent material that remains outside of the second divider seam. The frame grid therefore corresponds, for example, to the part of the layer of the absorbent article according to this invention facing away from the wearer's body outside the second divider seam. The frame grid includes the area of the second fabric of material defined by the second divider seam.

In another preferred embodiment of the two methods according to this invention as described herein, the individual steps of the method are repeated continuously.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the first fabric of material is carried at a rate corresponding to the peripheral speed of the second conveyor element. This incorporation of the method can be used in particular with the absorbent articles produced according to this invention, with the difference in length between the part of the fabric of material bordered by the first line, corresponding to the layer of the absorbent body facing the body of the wearer and the frame grid formed by the second fabric of material or the layer of the absorbent body facing away from the body of the wearer is not very large eg being of an amount of less than 25%.

An embodiment of the method according to this invention in which the first fabric of the material is intermittently carried and the second rotating conveyor element 32 rotates continuously is especially preferred.

This has the advantage that the cost of materials can be minimal. Due to the intermittent transport of the first fabric of material on the first rotating conveyor element with a second rotating conveyor element continuously at the same time, the first self-contained dividing seams can be worked on the first fabric of material in a closer sequence in processing steps of successive separation that if the first and second conveyor elements were running continuously in synchronization. Therefore, the amount of the first fabric of material used for the absorbent article can be increased, and the amount of the first fabric of discarded material and therefore the amount of waste can be minimized.

This process management is especially preferred if the difference in length between the wearer's face layer and the face-out layer of the wearer's body is relatively greater in the produced absorbent article, eg, greater than 25%. . In these cases, due to the more effective use of the first fabric of material, the method can be less expensive. Intermittent transport is understood here to refer to both transport at two different successive speeds and to transport interrupted in phases.

In a more especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, the first and second rotating conveyor elements run in synchronization during the separation work of the first fabric of material. This has the advantage that the shape of the minimum of one part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first divider seam corresponds exactly to the shape of the second divider seam in the second fabric of material when the same dividing elements are used for both Separation processing steps.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, the rotating conveyor elements are designed in the form of rollers or wheels. These designs allow a particularly simple and inexpensive incorporation of this method.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, the first fabric of material is processed for separation by means of at least one spacer element mounted on the second rotary conveyor element.

It is also especially preferred that the second fabric of material be processed for separation by means of at least one spacer element mounted on the second rotating conveyor element.

This makes it possible to mount the similar spacer elements on the second rotating conveyor element, which is particularly economical.

The separation element can be, for example, all known cutting or drilling devices with which those skilled in the art are familiar. These can also be mounted on the second conveyor element in a fixed quantity or these can be telescoped outwards.

Due to the fact that the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam is deposited on the second fabric of material by means of the second conveyor element, this produces a fabric composed of material in which a structure is preformed particular. In the subsequent separation of the composite fabric from the material into separate individual units, these units each include an upper layer and a lower layer, with the upper layer having a smaller surface area than the lower layer, and the lower layer having a seam divider that corresponds to the shape of the upper layer.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, in another step, the second material fabric and the minimum of a part of the first fabric of material, bordered by the first dividing seam and deposited on the second fabric, are divided. in individual units, with each unit comprising a part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first divider seam plus a frame grid formed by the second fabric of material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, an adhesive layer is applied to at least partial areas of the second fabric of material in order to bond the second fabric of material adhesively to at least parts of the first fabric of material . It is especially preferable to provide an adhesive layer only on those areas of the second fabric of material wherein the minimum of a portion of the first fabric of material bordered by the first divider seam has been deposited.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, a reduced pressure is created in an area of the second conveyor element to support the transport of the minimum of a part of the first fabric of the material bordered by the first dividing seam on the second conveyor element .

It is advantageous here to design the second conveyor element as a roller or hollow wheel, wherein the conveyor element designed to be hollow is preferably subdivided into angular segments at least 36 by an inner wall, and angular segments can be operated by pressure independently one of another in the form of a reduced pressure reservoir, a balanced pressure reservoir or an excess pressure reservoir. The segment of the conveyor element with which the fabric of material is transported is preferably operated by reduced pressure.

As an alternative, however, other methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used to sustain or achieve adhesion of the fabric material to the second conveyor element and thus the woven material.

Furthermore, in another especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention, the deposit of the part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first dividing seam on the second fabric of material can be achieved or be supported by an excess pressure produced in the fabric. area of the second conveyor element.

The deposit of the part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam on the second fabric of material is supported or achieved by applying an excess pressure to a suitable angular segment of the conveyor element.

As an alternative, the deposit of the part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam on the second fabric of material can be supported or achieved by means of an elastic ejector.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the method according to this invention described herein, several self-contained first and second drawer seams are worked side by side in the first and / or second fabric of material in a spaced apart relationship. This has the advantage that broader fabrics of material can be used and therefore, numbers of upper pieces of the absorbent articles can be produced per unit of time.

Even though the minimum of a first divider seam always extends through the full thickness of the first fabric of material, and therefore the shapes described above are separated from the first fabric of material, the second divider seam can extend through the full thickness of the fabric. second fabric of material, or only through the partial areas of the thickness of the second fabric of material. Therefore, in the latter case, an attempted break line is created in the material of the second fabric of material.

In the absorbent article produced by the method according to this invention, the shape of the absorbent body layer facing the wearer's body is determined by the minimum of a first divider seam.

The present invention will now be described in detail with the help of the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a partially sectioned view; Figures 4 to 7 show preferred segmentations in an absorbent body which can be used in the preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a device for carrying out the method for producing an absorbent article; Figure 9 shows another device for carrying out the method for producing an absorbent article; Y Figures 10a to 10k show especially preferred shapes and perforated patterns of the absorbent body layer facing the wearer's body. The reference numbers used in figures 39 have the following meanings: 1: the outer cover layer 2: hot melt adhesive 3: the central cover layer 4: the transfer layer 5: the layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body 6: the layer of the body absorbing face outside the body of the user distribution layer backup layer 9: the adhesive wing system 10: the cover of the adhesive wing system 11: the longitudinal body adhesive system 12: the cover of the adhesive system of longitudinal body 40 13: welded seam 14: wing 15: the divider seam first transporter element 21: the second conveyor element 22: the separation element third transporter element the first fabric of material second fabric of material first self-contained divider seam 29: the second self-contained divider seam 30: part of the fabric material bordered by the first divider seam 41 31: part of the first fabric material outside the first divider seam 33: the curl-forming roller 35: the curl forming roller 36: tension rollers 10 37: tension rollers 38: engine d. c. area of reduced pressure rej illa Excess pressure area adhesive device 43: adhesive layer 45: width adjustment roller 25 46: pulling roller 42 47: width of fabric 48: composite fabric 50: absorbent body The sanitary napkin illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has essentially an hourglass shape with the rings 14 projecting outwardly being formed in the middle of the longitudinal sides and which are tapered towards the middle. The length of the sanitary napkin can be 238 millimeters, for example, and the width including the two wings 14 is 150 millimeters, for example. The upper layer of the sanitary napkin is formed by an outer cover layer 1 and a central cover layer 3. The central cover layer 3 extends along a central strip over the entire length of the sanitary napkin. The width of the central cover layer 3 can be 70 millimeters, for example. The central cover layer is made of a nonwoven material bonded with perforated polypropylene yarn having a basis weight of 20 grams per square meter.

The outer cover layer 1 overlaps with the central cover layer 3 and is bonded thereto in the overlap area. This connection can be achieved by a welded seam, for example. As an alternative, the two cover layers 1 and 3 can also be joined together by a hot melt adhesive. The outer cover layer is also made of a nonwoven bonded with perforated polypropylene yarn with a basis weight of 20 grams per square meter.

The multi-layer absorbent body of the sanitary napkin is located below the center cover layer. In the advantageous embodiment of this invention described herein, the absorbent body includes as the upper layer the transfer layer 4. The layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body is below the transfer layer 4 and can also be mentioned as an absorbent core. The layer of the absorbent body 6 is facing away from the wearer's body and is also arranged under the layer 5 with the distributing layer 7 arranged below it.

The transfer layer 4 is bonded to the central cover layer 3 on its upper surface by means of a hot melt adhesive 2. The transfer layer 4 consists of a laminate of a nonwoven bonded with yarn and a non-woven carded with a basis weight of 52 grams per square meter and is arranged in such a way that the fluffed side of the laminate faces upwards, for example, in the direction of the wearer's body. In addition, the transfer layer is differentiated in color from the rest of the sanitary napkin.

The layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the body of the wearer is arranged below the transfer layer 4. The transfer layer 4 and the layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body are joined together by means of a hot melt adhesive 2. The transfer layer 4 and the layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body are perforated in the shape of an oval in the present advantageous embodiment of this invention, and these are arranged in the central area of the sanitary napkin. The oval shape has a length of 110 millimeters, for example, and a width of 45 millimeters. The layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body is made of a coform material, for example, containing cellulose and polypropylene in a weight ratio of 70:30 and having a basis weight of 150 grams per square meter. This is used together with a nonwoven carrier bonded with polypropylene yarn with a basis weight of 17 grams per square meter. The laminate of the coform material and the non-woven carrier bonded with yarn has a line engraving with compressed areas.

Especially preferred forms of the layer 5 facing the wearer's body which can be used as an alternative to the oval shape are illustrated in Figures 10A-K. In addition, the layers 5 of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body, as shown in FIGS. 10 ak, have internal divider seams 15 which further segment the layers 5. These divider seams can also be provided in the same manner in FIG. the layers 4, 6, 7 of the absorbent body above and / or below those.

The layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the wearer's body is arranged below the layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body. The layer of the absorbent body 6 extends essentially over the same area as the central cover layer 3, but is shorter in the area of the rounded transverse ends of the sanitary napkin, so that the central cover layer 3 projects on the layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the wearer's body in this area. The layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the body of the wearer can be 220 millimeters long and 70 millimeters wide, for example, and made of a coform material of cellulose and polypropylene in a proportion by weight of 60. : 40 and with a base weight of 90 grams per square meter. This is used together with a nonwoven carrier bonded with polypropylene yarn with a basis weight of 20 grams per square meter.

An oval perforated area provided in the central area of the absorbent body layer facing away from the wearer's body corresponds in size and shape to the absorbent body layer 5 facing the wearer's body and to the transfer layer 4. Due to the perforated area, the layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the wearer's body is divided into an inner area and an outer area. The outer area 46 represents the frame grid. The inner oval area of the absorbent body layer 6 facing away from the wearer's body lies with full coverage under the layer of the absorbent body 5 facing the wearer's body. The upper surface of the layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the body of the wearer is attached to the central cover layer 3 by means of a hot melt adhesive 2 in the area not covered by the layer of the absorbent body 5 of face to the body of the user.

In the central area of the sanitary napkin, the distributing layer 7 is arranged below the layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the wearer's body. The distribution layer 7 is made of a fabric of blown material with melting and etching of polypropylene with a basis weight of 65 grams per square meter, folded on itself to give a final width of 45 millimeters with a lh of 125 millimeters, for example . A backing layer impermeable to the liquid 8 arranged under the distributing layer 7 is made of a polyethylene film with a basis weight of 25 grams per square meter. The backing layer impervious to liquid prevents the fluid that has penetrated into the sanitary napkin and has been held there to escape out from the absorbent layers to the bottom. The backing layer 8 is attached to the layer of the absorbent body 6 facing away from the body of the wearer and to the center cover layer 3 and to the outer cover layer I by means of a hot melt adhesive 2.

In the area of the wings 14, the wing adhesion systems 9 are provided on the outer surface of the backing layer 8 facing away from the wearer's body; by means of these wing adhesion systems, the wings 14 can be attached to the side of the wearer's underwear facing away from the wearer's body. The adhesive material can, for example, be hot melt adhesive. To protect the adhesive surfaces of the wing attachment systems 9, these are provided with a cover 10 of silicone paper which can be removed from the adhesive elements before use of the sanitary napkin. Before use, the two wings 14 and the side areas of the sanitary napkin can be folded over the central cover layer 3, so that the wing adhesion systems 9 come to lie side by side. The two wing attachment systems 9 can then be covered with the cover 10 of silicone paper which can have an area of 70 millimeters by 60 millimeters, for example.

An additional fixation of the sanitary napkin to the undergarment of the wearer is made possible by the adhesive system of the longitudinal body 11 which extends over the central area of the outer surface of the backing layer 8 over an area of 50 millimeters per inch. 190 mm. The sanitary napkin can be attached to the inside of the wearer's underwear with the longitudinal body adhesive system 11. The longitudinal body adhesive system 11 can also be formed by a hot melt adhesive, for example, and is protected by a second cover 12 which is detachably attached thereto. The cover 12 of the longitudinal body adhesive system is also made of silicone paper and has an area of 60 millimeters by 200 millimeters. The cover 12 is removed before using the sanitary napkin, thereby exposing the adhesive surface of the longitudinal body adhesive system 11.

Figures 4 to 7 illustrate various segmentation patterns which can be provided in the absorbent body 50 or individual layers of the absorbent body 50 of the absorbent article. Figure 4 illustrates a square segmentation and Figure 5 illustrates a rhomboidal segmentation. Figure 6 shows the segmentation in the form of a plurality of circular divider seams 15.

When a minimum oval shape of a layer 5 of the absorbent body is worn facing the wearer's body, the segmentation illustrated in Figure 7 of at least one of the layers 4, 6 and 7 of the absorbent body 50 arranged above and / or below it is especially advantageous. Due to the divider seams 15 extending radially outward from the peripheral oval shape of the minimum of a layer 5 of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body (sun notches), an especially easy basket shape of the absorbent article and thus improved flexibility (notch to body 49) of the wearer's body is achieved.

Figure 8 illustrates a device for carrying out the method according to this invention.

A first fabric of material 25 of the absorbent material is carried on a conveyor unit (not shown here), for example, the driven conveyor rollers or belts or rollers for two crimper-forming rollers 33 and 35. A supply of first fabric curl material 25 is formed by the two roll forming rollers 33 and 35. As an alternative, instead of the roll forming rollers 33 and 35, other storage devices with which those skilled in the art are familiar can also be used. The first material web 25 is then carried on two tension rollers 36 and 37 which are synchronized but intermittently driven to the first conveyor element 20. The first conveyor element 2C is designed here as a counter-rotating roller. The irregular or intermittent drive of the tension rollers 36, and 37 is achieved by a d.c. electronically controlled, but may also be provided by other means such as a corresponding mechanical or hydraulic system. For example, it is also conceivable to use cams or discs.

The first material web 25 is guided between the matching cutter roller 20 and a second conveyor element 50 which is here designed as a cutter roller 21. The cutter roller 21 is subdivided into segments inside by an internal wall, for example, thereby forming an area 39 on which to act by means of a reduced pressure and an area on which it acts by means of an excess of pressure. The internal wall here is stationary, while the outer covers of the roller are rotated. The 40 mesh grids are applied to the outer cover of the cutter roller 21 at intervals 10 along the circumference of the roller, so that the excess pressure or the reduced pressure can act on the respective parts of the fabric material above the grids 40. Due to the rotation of the outer cover of the cutter roller 21 can act either at a pressure 15 reduced or excessive pressure in the area of each grid 40. The individual spacer elements 22 are arranged around each grid 40. These spacer elements are here designed as drilling devices; as an alternative, however, the cutting devices also 20 can be used. Those skilled in the art are,., Familiar with the proper cutting or punching devices. The individual areas 30 of the first fabric of material are perforated by the perforating devices 22 and are further carried on the cutting roller 21 by the pressure 25 which acts through the grids 40 in the selected area.

The parts 30 of the fabric material bordered by the first divider seam in the method described herein are oval. These are mentioned below as the absorbent core 30. The part 31 of the first fabric of material outside the first divider seam, for example, the perforated grid is carried out after the perforation on the matching cutter roller 20 and a width adjusting roller 45 and a pull roller 46. The first material web 25 is under a continuous tension due to the width adjustment roller 45 and the pull roller 46.

Due to the intermittent drive of the tension rollers 36 and 37, the first material web 25 reaches a speed that corresponds to the peripheral speed of the cutter roller 21 only during the piercing operation. Therefore, the distance between the two perforated areas in the perforated grid, mentioned here, the width of the fabric 47, can be kept as small as possible. This is advantageous especially if the absorbent cores 30 are deposited on the second fabric of material at a relatively large distance from each other, for example if the distance exceeds the length of the absorbent cores 30 by 25%.

A third conveyor element 24 is arranged near the cutter roll 21 at a distance from the first matching cutter roll 20 in the production direction. This third conveyor element is also designed as a matching second cutter roller 24. A second fabric of material 26, also an absorbent material, is carried on an unwinder (not shown) and between the cutter roll 21 and the second cutter roll. which matches 24. Because the perforating devices 22 mounted on the cutting roller, and the perforated areas are being worked on the second fabric of material continuously, having essentially the same shape and size as the punched perforated absorbent cores 30 of the first woven material 25. The absorbent cores 30 are deposited on the second fabric of material 26 simultaneously with the piercing operation. To do this, the internal segmentation of the cutting roller is designed so that an excess pressure 41 acts on the corresponding absorbent core 30 through the corresponding grid 40 during the drilling operation.

By simultaneously depositing the absorbent cores 30 on the second material web and perforating the second material web 26, the result is that the second web of material is perforated into the resulting composite fabric 48 along the contours of the absorbent cores 30 deposited on the fabric.

The adhesion between the absorbent cores 30 and the second fabric of material is supported by the application of adhesive 43 by the adhesive device 42 prior to piercing.

An intermittent impeller of the first fabric of material is not necessary if the distance between the two successive absorbent cores 30 exceeds its own length by only less than 25%. The elasticity of the first material web here makes it possible for the first fabric of material to be brought to and moved away at a lower speed than that of the peripheral speed of the cutting roller 21. Therefore, it is also possible to reduce the amount of the perforated grid in the first fabric of material.

Figure 9 illustrates a method in which two methods as described above are combined in succession. In the method illustrated here, the composite fabric 48 produced in the first method is used as the second fabric of material in the successive method.

This makes it possible to deposit additional perforated absorbent cores 30 'of a third fabric material on the composite fabric 48 in a corresponding manner and then to segment the composite fabric 48 through an additional perforation. The absorbent cores 30 'deposited on the composite fabric 48 in the subsequent process may have the same or different shapes and sizes as those of absorbent cores 30 perforated from the first fabric of material and already deposited on the composite fabric.

Claims

54 R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body characterized in that: The absorbent body is segmented by at least one dividing seam in at least some areas.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the absorbent body consists of at least two layers and at least one of the layers is segmented.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clauses 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one layer of the absorbent body has square and / or rhomboidal and / or circular segments formed by a plurality of divider seams.

. An absorbent article as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the absorbent body is designed with a minimum of two layers, having a minimum of one layer facing the wearer's body and a minimum of one face layer facing away from the wearer's body, where the minimum of one layer of the body The absorbent facing the wearer's body is smaller than the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body constitutes less than 70% of the area, especially and preferably less than 50% of the area, and in particular especially and preferably less than 30% of the area of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is perforated or cut.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: At least one layer of the absorbent body 56 facing the wearer's body has engraved lines.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body has a shape selected from the group including: oval, rectangular, tongue, triangle, hourglass, trapezoid or circle.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that it also includes the following components: (a) a cover layer permeable to liquid and (b) a backing layer impervious to liquid wherein the absorbent body is arranged between the cover layer and the backing layer.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that it also includes the following components: (c) lateral wings arranged on the longitudinal edges 57 and / or (d) a longitudinal adhesive system which is arranged on the side of the liquid-impermeable backing layer facing away from the wearer's body and / or (e) a cover to cover the longitudinal adhesive system and / or (f) a wing adhesion system arranged on the side of the side wings facing away from the wearer's body and / or (g) a cover to cover the wing adhesion system.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: The absorbent body also comprises a distributor layer and / or a transfer layer.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that the transfer layer is arranged between the liquid-permeable cover layer and the body-absorbent body layer of the wearer and / or the dispensing layer is arranged between the absorbent body layer facing away from the wearer's body and the liquid impermeable backing layer.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: This is a sanitary napkin or diaper for incontinence.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the absorbent body comprises Coform.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the absorbent body comprises a superabsorbent material.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of clauses 9 to 15, characterized in that: the cover layer is designed in two parts, with an outer area and a central area being provided, wherein the outer area is designed essentially in the edge areas of the absorbent article and the wings, and the central area are designed in the remaining central area of the absorbent article.

17. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the two parts of the cover layer are joined together.

18. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that: The bond is produced by the use of a hot melt adhesive.

19. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that: The joint is produced by a welded seam.

20. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: The absorbent body comprises a flow layer and a reservoir layer.

21. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the minimum of a part of the absorbent body facing the user's body is visually differentiated.

22. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that: the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is differentiated from the other components of the absorbent article by the color.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: one or more of the layers arranged above and / or below the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body are segmented along the peripheral contour of the minimum of one layer facing the wearer's body.

24. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 23, characterized in that: one or more additional layers corresponding to the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body are perforated or cut, the resulting frame grid forms a part of the absorbent article exclusively in a minimum of one of the layers between the layer of backing and the layer of the absorbent body facing the user's body, while the remaining perforated grids are not part of the absorbent article.

25. An absorbent article as claimed in one of clauses 10 to 24, characterized in that: the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body and / or one of the layers arranged above and / or below is segmented by at least one additional perforation or notch within the area defined by the shape of the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body.

26. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: some or all of the individual layers are joined together in some areas or in their entirety.

27. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that: The joint is produced by a hot melt adhesive.

28. An absorbent article as claimed in one or more of the preceding clauses, characterized in that: the absorbent article has a pore density and / or gradient, wherein the layer closest to the wearer's body has the lowest density and the layer next to the liquid impermeable backing layer has the highest density.

29. A method for producing an absorbent body comprising the following steps: (a ') a first fabric of material is carried on a first rotating conveyor element; (b ') the first fabric of material is processed 63 for separation along a self-contained line by means of a second rotating conveyor element, thereby creating a first self-contained divider seam through the full thickness of the first fabric of material; (c ') the part of the first fabric material outside the first divider seam is carried on the first rotating conveyor element; (d ') the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam is further carried with the second rotary conveyor element; (e ') a second fabric of material is carried on a third rotating conveyor element; (f) the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam is deposited on the second fabric of material, and the second fabric of material is processed for separation by the second rotary conveyor element along the peripheral shape of the minimum of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first divider seam, thereby creating at least a second self-contained divider seam through at least some areas of the thickness of the second fabric of material, and the minimum a first and a second self-contained dividing seams come to lie essentially in correspondence.

30. A method as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the steps of the method are repeated continuously.

31. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 or 30, characterized in that the first fabric of material is carried at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the second rotating conveyor element.

32. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 or 30, characterized in that the first fabric of material is intermittently carried and the second rotating conveyor element rotates continuously.

33. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 32, characterized in that the first and second rotary conveyor elements run in synchronization during the separation processing step (C).

34. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 33, characterized in that the rotating conveyor elements are in the form of rollers and / or wheels.

35. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 34, characterized in that the first fabric of material is processed for separation by means of at least one spacer element mounted on the second rotating conveyor element.

36. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 35, characterized in that the second fabric of material is processed for separation by means of at least one spacer element mounted on the second rotating conveyor element.

37. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 36, characterized in that it comprises the step of: (g ') the second fabric of material and the minimum of a part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first divider seam and deposited on the second fabric of material are divided into individual units, wherein each unit comprises a part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first dividing seam and a frame grid formed by the second fabric of material.

38. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 37, characterized in that the first and second divider seams are cut into the fabric of material.

66. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 38, characterized in that the first and second dividing lines are perforated in the fabric of material.

40. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 39, characterized in that a layer of adhesive is applied to the second fabric of material for joining the second woven material adhesively to at least parts of the first fabric of material.

41. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 40, characterized in that the reduced pressure is created in an area of the second conveyor element in order to support the transport of the minimum of a part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first Divider seam on the second conveyor element.

42. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 41, characterized in that the deposit of the minimum of a part of the first fabric of material bordered by the first dividing seam on the second fabric of material is supported by the excess pressure created in the area of the second conveyor element.

43. A method as claimed in one of clauses 29 to 41, characterized in that the minimum deposit of a part of the first fabric material bordered by the first dividing seam on the second fabric of material is supported by an elastic ejector. 68 R E S U M E N The present invention relates to an absorbent article, preferably to a sanitary napkin or to an incontinence diaper, as well as to a method for producing absorbent bodies. According to the present invention, the sanitary napkin comprises at least one absorbent body which is segmented by at least one divider seam in at least some areas. The absorbent body is preferably designed with at least two layers and therefore forms a minimum of one layer facing the wearer's body and a minimum of one facing layer away from the wearer's body. The minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is smaller than the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing away from the wearer's body. The minimum of one layer of the absorbent body facing the wearer's body is preferably perforated in a special form or is cut and therefore the perforated or cut area can be extended to additional layers above or below the minimum of one layer of the absorbent body of the wearer. face to the body of the user.